The Groom’s "Getting Ready" Session: It’s Not Just About Putting on a Tie

When I sit down with couples to plan their timeline, there is almost always a moment of hesitation from the groom when we get to the "getting ready" portion of the day. He usually looks at me, shrugs, and says, "Evan, I really don't need photos of me putting on my pants. It takes me five minutes to get dressed. Just focus on the bride." I get it. Most guys aren't used to being the center of attention, and the idea of a camera hovering while they button a shirt feels awkward or unnecessary. But here is the secret I tell every client: groom getting ready photos are rarely about the actual act of getting dressed. They are about the atmosphere, the anticipation, and the brotherhood that happens before the ceremony begins.

As a destination wedding photographer in Cancun, I view the groom's prep not as a fashion tutorial, but as a vital chapter in the story of the day. While the bridal suite is often a flurry of hairspray and makeup brushes, the groom's suite has a completely different energy. It is often where the reality of the day finally hits. It is the nervous laughter, the struggle to figure out how a pocket square works, and the quiet moments of reflection before walking down the aisle. Skipping this part of the day means leaving a massive hole in the narrative of your wedding album.

The "Hangout" Phase vs. The "Dress Up" Phase

When I arrive at the groom's suite, I’m not there to stage a fake photo of you tying your shoes. I am there to capture the candid reality of you hanging out with your best friends. In a destination wedding setting, this is often the most relaxed part of the day. The guys are usually lounging in the A/C, listening to music, maybe watching a game, or simply cracking jokes to break the tension. These photos capture the dynamic of your friendships—the way your college roommate makes you laugh or the way your dad looks at you with quiet pride.

This time is visually rich because it is unguarded. I capture the chaos of luggage everywhere, the clinking of beer bottles, and the collective confusion over how to pin a boutonnière. GQ Magazine actually suggests that taking this time to relax with your groomsmen is the best way to combat pre-wedding anxiety. My job is to be a fly on the wall, preserving the banter and the bond that you share with the guys you chose to stand beside you.

Details Matter for the Guys, Too

Brides often get all the credit for details—the shoes, the jewelry, the invitations—but the groom’s details are just as important to the visual story. You likely spent time choosing your watch, your cufflinks, your cologne, and maybe even a custom suit lining. These items represent your style and personality. During the "getting ready" session, I take a few minutes to style these items creatively, ensuring that the investments you made in your look are documented with the same care as the bridal bouquet.

This is also the time when we capture the "finishing touches." There is something undeniably classic and cool about a black-and-white photo of a groom adjusting his cuffs or straightening his tie in the mirror. It gives off a timeless, James Bond aesthetic that looks incredible in a finished album. If you are curious about how I approach these stylized detail shots without making them feel forced, you can read more about my creative philosophy on my About page. It is about making you look sharp, confident, and ready for the biggest moment of your life.

The Emotional Reset

Beyond the fun and the drinking, the groom’s prep session offers a rare window of vulnerability. There is almost always a moment where the room goes quiet. Maybe you are reading a handwritten letter from your partner, or maybe you are just taking a deep breath and looking out the window at the ocean. These quiet, contemplative moments are some of my absolute favorites to photograph. They show the weight and the significance of the commitment you are about to make.

Often, grooms think they need to be stoic, but the camera catches the subtle emotions—the shaky hands while reading the vows or the deep exhale before opening the door to leave. These images provide a counterweight to the loud, happy party photos that come later. They add depth to your gallery. If you look at the portfolios on my destination weddings page, you will see that these quiet portraits often end up being the most powerful images from the entire wedding weekend because they feel so authentic and raw.

Your Partner Wants to See This

Finally, the biggest reason to do groom getting ready photos is simple: your partner isn't there. They don't get to see you laughing with your friends, struggling with your tie, or wiping away a tear while reading their note. The morning of the wedding is the only part of the day you spend apart. When you receive your full gallery, being able to see what the other person was doing and feeling during those hours brings the two halves of the story together.

I have had so many brides tell me that the photos of the groom getting ready are their favorites because they get a glimpse into his world that they missed. They love seeing their future husband looking handsome, nervous, and excited to marry them. It turns the gallery from a collection of photos into a complete narrative of two people preparing to become one. If you want to ensure your wedding story is told from both perspectives, don't skip this session.

Let’s Capture the Whole Story

Your wedding day doesn't start at the altar; it starts the moment you wake up. You deserve to have the camaraderie, the style, and the anticipation of your morning documented just as beautifully as the rest of the day. Whether it is a shot of whiskey with the boys or a quiet moment with your dad, these are memories worth keeping.

If you are planning a destination wedding and want a photographer who knows how to make the groom’s session feel relaxed, natural, and genuinely fun, let’s make it happen.